Harel Shouval, Ph.D.

About Dr. Shouval

My research focuses on identifying the rules by which changes in synaptic strength - believed to be the basis of learning, memory and development in the cortex - take place. These synapses are the means by which one neuron communicates with another, and changes in these weights are called synaptic plasticity. I concentrate on theoretical/ computational approaches to the study of synaptic plasticity and its implications on learning, memory and development. I study synaptic plasticity at many levels, from its molecular basis to its functional implications and I believe that theoretical studies are essential for forming the link between these different levels of description.

Much is known about the molecular and physiological basis of synaptic plasticity. I carry out complex simulations of signal transduction pathways involved in synaptic plasticity, as well as analysis of the molecular dynamics of molecules such as calcium that are essential for synaptic plasticity.

Simplified Cellular Models of Synaptic Plasticity

Derivation of simplified models, either by approximating the more complex molecular models, or from first principles can help bridge the gap between the molecular level and electrophysiological experiments. Recently I derived a simple unified calcium dependent plasticity model that can account for the various induction paradigms, including spike time dependent plasticity (STDP). Both the assumptions and predicted consequences of the model can be tested experimentally.

The Contribution of Synaptic Plasticity to Receptive Field Development

Many properties of receptive fields in visual cortex, as well as other cortical areas are experience dependent. We have previously accounted for such properties using more traditional, rate-based models of synaptic plasticity, in visual environments composed of natural images. Currently we are examining if the unified calcium dependent model can account for the development of receptive fields as well.

The aim of this research is fundamental: understand how humans learn and how our nervous system develops. When we understand that, we will be able to understand why something goes wrong with those processes.